Simple Truths

There are those moments of clarity. They may happen all of a sudden, after a long period of learning, or after a life-changing experience. We call those moments epiphanies. Those times when deep truths, once hidden from us, suddenly reveal themselves in such clarity, we wonder why we never saw them before. They can be quite simple, but at the same time, quite profound.

I want to list some of these I've experienced not too long ago. They are deceptively simple truths, and are easily missed in day-to-day living — and are often ignored as if we already live by them. Here's an example:

• We can't spend what we don't have. Whether it's money, time, or relationships we cannot give or use what we don't already have in our possession. Yet, we live like this isn't true. We make promises we cannot keep. We buy things we cannot afford. We own things that own us. We give away what isn't ours to give. We want what we cannot have. And we complain that our lives are not working.


• Our lives are not our own. Christians are more likely to agree with this statement. We sort of understand that life comes from God, and God will call everyone into account for how we use it. But at a deeper, fundamental level, this is practically true. We can't control when we will die. We can't even control that fact that we will die. We don't know what our lives mean. And when we spend our lives, we don't know what we are spending them for? We make up reasons, but they don't mean anything unless the One who owns it tells us what to do — or rather, we listen to the Owner.


• God created beauty. What is the scientific reason for beauty, and the capacity to appreciate it? It says in Genesis 2:9 that God made trees, not only for food, but just for their beauty. Wow! God is a God of beauty. The aesthetic of God is as valuable as utilitarian creation such as for food.


• Moses listened to his father-in-law. This may seem like a small matter, but think about it: God spoke directly to Moses, not to anyone else, and not in a way even the previous fathers experienced. And here comes Moses father-in-law, Jethro, who hadn't experienced the exodus of the Israelites and God's mighty deeds at the hands of Moses. He comes and tells Moses what to do about how to organize. And Moses listens, and sees that it is a good idea! I don't know many who would do such a thing today. I honestly mean that.

I could go on, but I'll save for another post.